While you were sleeping, world news wrap

The vicious civil war that has ragged in South Sudan since the country gained independence from Sudan five years ago has reignited in the capital city of Juba, with hundreds of troops loyal to Vice-President Rieck Machar reported killed by government troops backed by President Salva Kiir.

(Reuters)

A United Nations peacekeeping mission in Juba reported heavy gunfire near its base, and hundreds of civilians had sought shelter there.

It's estimated between 50,000 to 300,000 people have been killed in the ethnic fighting since the conflict began, with almost 2 million forced from their homes.

The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the crisis in South Sudan.

Russia's Ministry of Defence confirmed one of its choppers had indeed been shot down in the Syrian province of Homs by a TOW antitank missile, after providing support for a Syrian command group and expending all its ammunition. The helicopter was shot down while returning to base.

Russian Television service RT is reporting one of the country's most experienced pilots was killed in the attack, along with his co-pilot.

Votes are still being counted, but Malcolm Turnbull's ruling Liberal-National Party (LNP) has claimed victory in Australia's general election, over a week since the polls closed. Labour leader Bill Shorten conceded defeat last night, after Mr Turnbull's coalition looked as if it will secure the 74 seats it needs to reclaim power. Labour is currently on 66 seats with five still in doubt, but Mr Turnbull's conservatives have the support of three independent and minor parties that will get them over the line.

(Reuters)

The close vote has shown a strong shift to the left in Australia, and there are plenty of doubts over Mr Turnbull's leadership and the LNP's agenda.

Meanwhile Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party looks set to bag a place in the senate, with the controversial right-wing, anti-multiculturalism group set to claim 9 per cent of the vote in Queensland.